Sampling cider at Belliveau Orchard
I’m pretty well-known for regularly supporting local craft alcohol through my social media posts and, heck, I even founded the Moncton Beer League and the Atlantic Canadian Craft Brew Fest, so why in the world would I commit to going dry for a month? I am a highly social person in normal times and really enjoy the taste of a good product. I’m also an NB Brews Local Advocate with NBCAPA.
There are two big reasons – health and money – as well as another reason close to my heart – charity.
Let me start with the health aspects. I actually went dry in January 6 years ago, before I met my spouse. It was a socially busy December with lots of parties and gatherings and I felt like I needed a health break from all the rich food, sugar and alcohol. I signed up for Arbonne’s 30-day Healthy Living Challenge and committed to eliminating alcohol, coffee, sugar, gluten and dairy. I was asked to embark on this challenge before, but I didn’t think I could do it then. This time the timing was right. And I surprised myself with how easy it actually was. I had the support of my friend Patricia who is an Arbonne consultant, and a whole Facebook group of other challengers, as well as shopping lists and recipes. I felt better, I slept better, I never had a hangover and I ended up losing 9 pounds!
Now the financial breakdown. I used to drink 1-2 bottles of wine per week, which added up to close to $100 per month. Now I tend to drink 2-3 local craft beers on each Friday and Saturday night shared with my spouse. Those add up to $60 each per month. I have been a professional event planner for 5 years and with COVID wiping out 95% of my 2020 income, I just cannot afford to drink alcohol.
Finally, the charitable aspect. I chose to do this fundraiser for Inclusion Advocacy SENB, because they have also been hit hard by COVID-19. They are one of the lesser-known charities working just as hard on a shoestring for the communities they serve. Inclusion Advocacy SENB (IA SENB) works at protecting the rights and promoting the interests of people who have an intellectual, developmental disability (some of the most vulnerable and at risk members of our communities). Through their efforts, they provide invaluable services and supports that enable individuals to live, learn, work, and participate with dignity as respected, valued and contributing members of their community in South East New Brunswick.
Their Executive Director, Connie Melanson-Savoy, does most of this work single-handedly as she is currently the only paid staff member of IA SENB. She is currently taking some very overdue vacation, but I’d like to invite you to give her a call at the office mid-January. If you haven’t already registered for Dry January and you have the means to do so (it’s free!), I’m sure you’ll also be compelled to help out after a conversation with her. Even while she is on vacation, if a family needs her, she will be there.
I recently joined the Board of Directors in hopes that I could help this organization. We need to separate Identity from Disability. When people meet, or see, a person with a disability of any kind, that is usually all they see – their disability. They see what that person is not able to do, or what limitations they have because of their disability. They don’t see what they can do, or the talents they may have. This is exactly what IA SENB is trying to get people to move past.
With your support and appropriate funding, IA SENB can provide:
- Advocacy (Assisting individuals & their families)
- Adult Literacy
- Inclusive Education
- Supported Employment
- Individual & Family Support
- Information & Referrals
- Intentional Peer Relationships
- Linking Families together
- Supported Housing & Living
- Parent & Self Advocate Support Groups
- Person Centered Futures Planning [PATH]
- Public Awareness
- Relationships / Sexuality Information
- Transition from School to Community (work & adult life)
- Accessible Transportation
- Workshops / Training
All at NO COST to individuals or families!
I’d like to invite you to join me in going Dry in January, and afterwards, reassess your own approach to alcohol consumption. It’s a habit that we have become used to, the drink is also a social crutch, and we have perhaps forgotten about the taste; the fine ingredients, the brew, the twist on flavours to tempt the taste buds, and the artistry of mixology.
Having a month off alcohol also has great health benefits, such as sleeping better, having more energy and of course, no hangovers! So you’re not only helping others, you’re helping yourself. It’s a win-win! Go as dry as you’re willing to try here, or donate to my challenge here.
At the end of January, I’m looking forward to enjoying alcohol responsibly again because of its great taste, as well as to support the local breweries, venues and overall hospitality sector, as they have been greatly affected with recent health and safety restrictions. But for now, I’m happy to have a month off and raise some much-needed funding for an important charity.
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